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Entry Level Process Control Engineer Jobs in Iowa

INSPYR Solutions

Process Engineer

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

Job Title: Process Engineer Location: Romeoville, IL Duration: One year + contract Work ... and inventory control. * Develop and maintain standard work, SOPs, process maps, and visual ...

Ryan Companies

Quality Field Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Compile photographic evidence and other supporting documentation to document all QA/QC-related ... Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the ...

LMT Defense

Quality Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$58K - $75K/yr

Application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) for both incoming inspection (external suppliers ... Collaborate with design engineering, process engineering, manufacturing, sales, customer service ...

LMT Defense

Quality Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$80K/yr

Application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) for both incoming inspection (external suppliers ... Collaborate with design engineering, process engineering, manufacturing, sales, customer service ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Process Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA Summary: This position is responsible for providing engineering ... Working knowledge of engineering drawings and documentation, such as P&IDs and control narratives

Hyve Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Nevada, IA

$68K - $88K/yr

Control Manufacturing Notice, Process Alert Documentation * Create and update all applicable work instructions * Responsible for production training in the areas of MPI. * Provide projectdetailstatus ...

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All JobsEntry Level Process Control Engineer JobsEntry Level Process Control Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Process Control Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$49.3K

$92.8K

$138.1K

How much do entry level process control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process control engineer in Iowa is $92,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level process control engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level process control engineers often encounter challenges such as learning complex automation systems, adapting to fast-paced industrial environments, and effectively troubleshooting equipment or software issues. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the need to quickly understand process flows, instrumentation, and control strategies. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should actively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in hands-on training, and stay updated with best practices in process automation. Building strong communication skills is also essential, as the role frequently involves collaborating with operators, maintenance teams, and other engineers to ensure smooth operations.

What does an Entry Level Process Control Engineer do?

An Entry Level Process Control Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, implementation, and optimization of control systems used in manufacturing and production processes. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and support process improvements. Their work helps ensure that production runs efficiently, safely, and within quality standards. Typical duties may include configuring control hardware and software, collecting and analyzing process data, and collaborating with other engineering teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Process Control Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectEntry Level Process Control EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field; some certifications beneficialAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting control systems in industrial settingsOperating, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment on the plant floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, oil & gas industriesManufacturing plants, refineries, chemical facilities

Entry Level Process Control Engineers focus on designing and optimizing control systems, while Process Technicians handle daily equipment operation and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but they differ in responsibilities and required education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Process Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Control Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering, typically with a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and process simulation software is essential, and certifications like ISA CAP can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot process issues. These skills ensure efficient and safe operation of industrial processes, driving productivity and minimizing errors.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Process Control Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Process Control Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Control Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Control Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Process Control Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Process Control Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Process Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Control Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,760 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Project Engineer - Level 1 Automation

SSAB

Montpelier, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

SSAB rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Position Purpose
The Automation Engineer is responsible for a wide range of software and process engineering activities that support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role focuses on analyzing process performance, identifying and prioritizing improvement opportunities, and designing and implementing effective solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and system reliability. Key responsibilities include developing and modifying control strategies, optimizing automation systems, and leading the execution of process improvements from concept through commissioning. The Automation Engineer also maintains and supports all Level 1 and Level 1.5 hardware and control platforms, ensuring their integrity, availability, and performance.
Essential Responsibilities
Process & Automation Engineering
  • Develop and implement methods and best practices to improve product quality, expand product capabilities, and reduce manufacturing costs through the effective use of advanced automation technologies.
  • Design, develop, and manage Level 1 process control systems and related engineering projects to optimize production efficiency, improve yield, and enhance overall product quality.
  • Analyze process performance using data-driven approaches, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions to drive continuous improvement.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting, technical guidance, and hands-on support to Maintenance and Operations teams, including Level 1.5 EMO (Engineering Maintenance Operator) personnel within the Rolling Mill.
  • Maintain, support, and continuously improve all Level 1 electrical and control systems to ensure high reliability, performance, and compliance with applicable industrial standards.
  • Deliver specialized technical support for process control systems and software across the Rolling Mill and Finishing Area, ensuring stable and efficient operation.

Supervisory Computer Systems Management (Level 1 & Level 1.5)
Hardware Management
  • Perform preventive and time-based maintenance on automation and control system hardware to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
  • Identify, evaluate, and replace obsolete or failing field components to maintain system integrity and minimize downtime.
  • Manage and maintain I/O interface cabling and associated hardware to ensure accurate and reliable signal transmission.
  • Monitor system performance, including diagnostics, fault detection, and recovery, to support continuous and stable operations.

Software Management
  • Monitor automation and control applications to ensure accurate, stable, and efficient operation across all platforms.
  • Manage and maintain system backups, including administration of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre server, to ensure data integrity and disaster recovery readiness.
  • Analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot operating systems and application software to resolve issues and minimize downtime.
  • Perform maintenance programming and configure system and application software to support ongoing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Interface Management
  • Plan, design, develop, implement, and maintain HMI applications to support safe, efficient, and user-friendly operation of process equipment.
  • Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure interfaces are intuitive, standardized, and aligned with operational needs.
  • Maintain and enhance HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation, to ensure consistency and effectiveness across systems.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize HMI performance to ensure reliability, responsiveness, and accurate real-time data visualization.

Documentation Management
  • Develop, organize, and maintain accurate technical documentation, including system configurations, historical records, and change logs.
  • Create and update user guides, operating procedures, and "help" documentation to support Operations and Maintenance teams.
  • Analyze and reverse-engineer existing systems, when required, to reconstruct and document software specifications and functionality.

Operations Support
  • Respond to operator requests and provide timely resolution of automation and control system issues to support continuous operations.
  • Provide 24/7 on-call support for critical systems, ensuring rapid response and minimal disruption to production.
  • Train and support Electrical EMO (Engineering Maintenance Operator) personnel on new software, system updates, and control system enhancements.

Specialized Equipment & Systems Support
  • Provide expert-level technical support, troubleshooting, and hands-on assistance for critical process and automation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and applicable industrial standards.
  • Support and maintain process control systems for the Reheat Furnace, Rolling Mill, and Finishing areas to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot electrical and automation systems, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms and associated hardware.
  • Support and integrate specialized human-machine interfaces (HMI), business system networks, and supplier system connections to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.

Education, Experience, and Competencies
Required
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with ControlLogix and other Rockwell Automation platforms
  • Strong understanding of process interactions between control systems and physical processes within a steel plate manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering and economic judgment in process control decision-making
  • In-depth knowledge of industrial automation systems, including control system hardware, industrial computers, multitasking operating systems, real-time communication networks, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), with the ability to integrate these into effective process control solutions.
  • Proficiency in ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
  • Solid understanding of mathematical principles supporting closed-loop, real-time control systems
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities effectively
  • Regular and reliable attendance

Preferred
  • Previous experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and electronic systems in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
  • Formal training in computer hardware, software systems, or related disciplines.
  • Strong computer skills, including database management, networking concepts, and experience with software development languages or industrial software suites.
  • Proficiency in programming, configuring, and tuning AC and DC digital drive systems.
  • Solid understanding of DC motor theory, operation, and control principles.
  • Knowledge of mill stand control systems and winder applications within a steel manufacturing environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and has no direct reports.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The employee will frequently be required to:
  • Twist at the waist and reach above shoulder level, as well as at or below waist level.
  • Handle, grip, hold, and grasp objects using one or both hands.
  • Finger and feel objects with one or both hands, including the ability to sense temperature and texture

The employee will occasionally be required to:
  • Drive or travel by automobile or airplane as part of job responsibilities.
  • Balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb as required in industrial environment.
  • Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:
  • Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
  • Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
  • Vision at near, mid, and far range
  • Peripheral vision and depth perception

The employee will be required to sit, stand, and/or walk as follows:
  • Sitting 0-8 hours at a time; average 5 hours a day
  • Standing 0-8 hours at a time; average 2 hours a day
  • Walking 0-8 hours at a time; average 1 hour
  • Alternate sitting and standing as needed

The employee will be required to use the following machines or tools:
  • Desktop computer
  • Control software
  • Multimeter
  • Database

The employee will work in the following conditions:
  • Indoors
  • In extreme heat and extreme cold
  • In wet and humid conditions
  • Amid fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke
  • In confined areas and high places
  • Around equipment in motion
  • Amid noise
  • Amid mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards
  • Around industrial magnets
  • While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards

Position Type, Work Hours, and Travel Requirements
  • Position is full time, exempt
  • Position works day shift, Monday through Friday - additional overtime as needed
  • Office presence required
  • Travel for this position is limited

Other Duties
This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required for this position. Additional tasks may be assigned, and responsibilities may be modified at any time, with or without prior notice, to meet operational needs.
SSAB BENEFITS - starting at hire!
• Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus
• Very Affordable Health Insurance
üBlue Cross/Blue Shield Medical
ü CVS/Caremark Prescription
ü Delta Dental
ü Superior Vision
• 401(k) with Employer Match - 5%
• Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Company Paid Life Insurance - and STD and LTD*
• Optional Life, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
SSAB's vision is a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world.
SSAB's values form the guiding principals of our company.
They shape our culture and characteristics. They serve as a compass for our actions and behavior, and describe what we stand for. Values guide us daily in making the right choices and doing the right things.
SSAB's values are:
  • Driven - Together we create value
  • True - Do what is right
  • Ahead - Future in mind

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